The Manipur High Court ruled that panchayat members cannot remain in office after five years, striking down a 1996 amendment to the Panchayat Raj Act as unconstitutional. The Court restored the original law, ordering fresh elections within six months.
The Supreme Court has directed the Manipur High Court to resolve whether expired gram panchayat members can stay in office when an administrator is appointed. A three-month deadline was set for this decision amid concerns over ongoing violence preventing elections. The legality of these elected positions hinges on amendments to the Manipur Panchayati Raj Act.
